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The Jaguar S
Type R Road Test
Good points: Power, handling, looks, brake action, shift, supercharger whine
Needs improvement: Gas mileage, transmission, interior fans
For A$169,950 you can own a
very sensuous, swell handling, formidable Jaguar S-Type R- Performance model
that should please both the poser and the driver. It travels to 60 mph in about
5.5 seconds thanks to a supercharged 4.2-liter engine that sends 390 horsepower
through a six speed automatic transmission that thankfully does not have the
traditional J pattern. It makes a statement sitting in your driveway or on the
motorway as the R model creates a beautiful beast with this notable vehicle.
Of course, for that price you get considerably more than a performance. Heated
16-way power front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded sound system,
six-disc CD changer, xenon headlights, a nice looking rear spoiler,
computer-controlled shock absorbers, 18 inch tires, electronically controlled
anti-lock braking system with yaw control, and huge Brembo brakes are all part
of the deal.
Mom's view: I love the S Type. It is lovely to look at and distinctive.
The turning radius of 37 ft. 8 inches isn't too bad, and it delivers thrilling
performance. On the other hand, I did not like the interior treatment. The gray
wood trim wasn't very classy looking, the cupholders were not well placed, the
interior fans when set on high were quite noisy, and my matronly body just did
not fit well into the sporty seats. Although I like a powerful car, I would pass
on the R and consider the A$124,900 V8 version that has an ample 293 horsepower
and the six-speed transmission. This is also a stellar performer and comes with
lots of standard features.
The R is Jaguar's answer to the
BMW M-series and Mercedes AMG hot rods. Like its competitors, its offers more
than a potent powerplant. The wire mesh grille, monochromatic paint, nice rear
spoiler, front fascia with built in fog lights, and big tires and brakes all
serve notice that this is the Big Cat and should be marketed as such.
On a daily basis, only the dreadful gas mileage prevented me from being pleased.
It sucked premium gas at about 17 mpg on the highway and when you wanted to hear
the joyful, turbojet like whine of the supercharger you could pretty well find
yourself getting under 15 mpg. However, it was worth it for a while as the kick
of the supercharger was definitely a hoot to boot.
You need to sit in this model for a while to see if you like the thigh support
the seats offer. I didn't fit the model. The driver has a fair amount of space,
but the backseat is a tight fit. The trunk is ample, being fairly deep, but not
too wide. There is a ski pass through that features a drip liner. I don't know
if this car would be my first choice for driving in thick snow because of its
low ride height and wide tires. However, if the roads are clear the R is
definitely going to get you to the front of the ski lift.
Although the brakes are excellent, the pedal action feels remote and its takes a
while to get used to the long pedal travel. I also would prefer a little more
help turning the wide tires when parking the R. The steering feels okay at
speed, but was too heavy for me around town.
Dad's view: Around town
the R is graceful and elegant. The wide tires and mesh grill tell the well
informed that this is the "one" they have been reading about. On ramps are
almost a waste of time because you are going well above the posted speed limit
within seconds and only the fear of losing your driver's license holds your
speed in check. The transmission is much better than previous models except that
there is a harsh jolt between first and second gears when you're stopped on an
incline and slowly depress the gas pedal. It is disconcerting, but only occurs
in these situations meaning that the computer, transmission, and engine may need
some fine-tuning. You can use the sport mode and/or shift for yourself, but be
warned that this car accelerates very rapidly and by the time you shift into
third you are well above any speed limit. I was very pleased that the old
"J-gate" shifting pattern has finally been modernized. It is now easy to shift
from park to drive and into reverse.
The real forte of this R model isn't the speed, but the handling. The ride over
irregular pavement isn't harsh despite the low profile P275/35R18 tires, but it
really likes better-maintained roads better, and it loves corners. This car
scoots up mountain roads without much body roll and with a tolerance for any
curve. It is as fast as any car in this type of environment and, unlike many
more others, offers a civilized ride while delivering the fun.
I never felt at home inside the
S-Type and, although I loved its youthful nature. The dark and cramped interior
made me feel that I was sitting on rather than in a luxury performance car. I
much prefer the larger Jaguars, although they are not as fun to drive at speed.
I only got 15 mpg in testing the R, but I doubt anyone is going to get much
better unless they use cruise control and are up for sainthood.
I can't tell you how much fun it is to listen to the supercharger as the R
accelerates. The sound is addicting and if Harley Davidson ever gets a patent on
the sound of their engines, Jaguar should consider the same.
Working woman's view: I felt cozy in this Jaguar and was appreciative of
its retro exterior styling. The adjustable pedals and steering wheel made it
easy for me to get comfortable, but the seats were too hard for me. I think over
time I would have appreciated them more. The 3800-pound Jaguar hugs the road
with a weighty feel. It does not so much step over bumps but seems to squeeze
them back into the pavement with its heft. I felt the speed was more than
adequate. If you go over 3500 rpm you better have a flight plan for the next
block because this Jaguar doesn't just accelerate, it leaps. Just in case, it
has good crash scores, and the usual safety features such as airbags and
activated seat belts. Would I want to own one? Certainly, but not this model. I
would go for the V6 version. The reasons are all economic. If I was better
established I might be tempted to treat my senses to the R just to teach a few
of the good old boys not to judge a vehicle by its appearance. I have to admit
that driving this Jaguar is a lot of fun. I'm convinced that the R stands for
rush since that is what it does and that is how it makes you feel.
College going male:
Overkill. Environmentally sour. Too feminine for me. Other than that this isn't
too bad a car. The rear seats are cramped for headroom, but the sound system is
above average. The ride isn't cruel, and the engine sound is satisfying. I
wouldn't buy it, but I doubt Jaguar had my kind and me in mind when they built
the S-Type. Unfortunately, my girlfriend wants one and points out that fact
whenever we pass an S-Type on the road. So, men of means you may as well buy one
now for your lady because this is probably going to be the only one that can
prove your love. Don't ask me why. I haven't had my psychology classes yet.
Family conference: You can't justify the Jaguar S-Type R. You either want
to harvest this image or you would rather be more practical. Those who want to
separate themselves from the pack both literally and figuratively well find the
R most appealing. Those who want to run with the pack well stick with the AMG
Mercedes and BMW M machinery. Either way, if you enjoy beauty and driving a
beast you must test this vehicle, as it is surprisingly able and definitely
stable.
Written by The
Car Family |
